From your healthcare team
What to expect with your treatment
What to expect if you are treated with insulin
If you are treated by insulin injections you should:
- Have frequent visits showing you how to inject, look after your insulin and syringes and dispose of sharps (needles). You should also be shown how to test your blood glucose and test for ketones and be informed what the results mean and what to do about them.
- Be given supplies of, or a prescription for the medication and equipment you need.
- Discuss hypoglycaemia (hypos): when and why they may happen and how to deal with them.
People with Type 1 diabetes and people with Type 2 diabetes on tablets or insulin are entitled to free prescriptions for medication. Equipment such as blood glucose meters and finger pricking devices normally have to be purchased, but test strips, lancets, most insulin pens and pen needles are available on prescription. Discuss this with your GP.
A prescription exemption certificate is necessary to obtain free prescriptions. Talk to your GP or diabetes specialist nurse about how to apply for one.
What to expect if you are treated with tablets
If you are treated by tablets you should:
- Be given instruction on blood or urine testing and have explained what the results mean and what to do about them.
- Be given supplies of, or a prescription for the medication and equipment you need.*
- Discuss hypoglycaemia (hypos): when and why they may happen and how to deal with them.
People with Type 1 diabetes and people with Type 2 diabetes on tablets or insulin are entitled to free prescriptions for medication. Equipment such as blood glucose meters and finger pricking devices normally have to be purchased, but test strips, lancets, most insulin pens and pen needles are available on prescription. Discuss this with your GP.
A prescription exemption certificate is necessary to obtain free prescriptions. Talk to your GP or diabetes specialist nurse about how to apply for one.
What to expect if you are treated with diet alone
If you are treated by diet alone you should:
- Be given instruction on blood or urine testing and have explained what the results mean and what to do about them.
- Be given supplies of equipment you may need.